Samoa Steps Up Tourism Promotion in United Kingdom
Tourism marketing and promotion specialist, London-based Supereps International, has been appointed to represent the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) in United Kingdom. The outstanding experiences and varied attractions which the islands of Samoa offer discerning and enquiring travellers – whether their interests are cultural, activity-based, sightseeing or beachcombing – are not yet widely known in UK. Supereps International’s mission, via an active programme of liaison with tour operators and the media, is to develop awareness of Samoan Tourism and re-enforce the image of Samoa as a unique and new destination for the UK market. As an additional activity, a Tourism Information Service for travel industry, media and consumer will be operated from Supereps International’s Central London Office. (Source: Supereps International Media Release August 2005)

Domestic Passengers to Show ID Card Before Boarding
Passengers boarding New Caledonia’s domestic flights are now required to produce their ID card, as part of new security measures introduced by the local company, Air Calédonie (AirCal).The security measure is currently being tested on all domestic flights between the capital Nouméa and New Caledonia’s outer island destinations. The new measure is also currently backed by a television advertising campaign (themed “Let us know you better”) which is asking the general public for its cooperation, in the name of enhanced safety and compliance with French and European increased civil aviation regulations. It will become mandatory on January 1, 2006. Earlier this month, on the maritime transport front, New Caledonia’s port authority has also introduced new security and monitoring measures in order to comply with the World Maritime Organisation’s white list, pursuant to its compliance with International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPFS) standards introduced by the global maritime organisation. The enlistment officially took effect on July 21. The new safety rules required by the IMO include stricter controls of incoming and outgoing vessels, including their country of origin and/or registration and response measures against possible terrorist attacks on key ports infrastructures. As part of build-up to become fully compliant with the new set of rules, Nouméa Port Captain Edmond Martin and Ports Police chief Jean-Jacques Roy recently underwent specialised training in the French harbour of Nantes (North-West of France) and have completed the ISPFS qualification. (Source: Oceania Flash News 24/08/2005)

Eco-Tourism Plan to Benefit All People (Fiji)
Rakiraki is determined to take advantage of the mushrooming tourism industry. The community there has set its sights on developing eco-tourism in the area to boost development the living standards of people there. Ra Chamber of Commerce and Ra Tourism Resource Owners Association president Uraia Waqa said resources in the area provided them with the perfect opportunity to develop eco-tourism. Mr Waqa said they were determined on the development of eco-tourism because of its potential benefits for the people of Rakiraki. "If we develop eco-tourism, it will benefit the people living in the urban centre and it has great potential for the people in villages in Ra," he said. "We have the resources to ensure this industry will not only survive but thrive in Rakiraki. "Being an area surrounded by thick forest and beautiful scenery, Rakiraki could become a leading eco-tourism market in Fiji if promoted and developed properly," Mr Waqa said. He said there were many ancestral sites scattered throughout Ra that would definitely grip the imagination of tourists. However, he said even though they were determined to develop eco-tourism, the chamber and association were careful to ensure their plans did not interfere or breach local traditions and customs. Mr Waqa said even though the different organisations were determined to develop the area, they were aware of the huge importance culture and tradition had in sustaining the eco-tourism industry. (Source: Fiji Times 24/08/2005)

Air Fiji Rejects Buy-out Offer
Air Fiji rejected Air Pacific's offer to buy the company but the national carrier is holding talks with Sun Air. Air Pacific and Sun Air are keeping their negotiation under wraps and a decision is expected next month. Air Fiji chief executive Sialeni Vuetaki said his company welcomed Air Pacific's intention to enter the domestic market. He said Air Pacific had proposed to buy Air Fiji. Mr Vuetaki said Air Fiji suggested a joint venture or networking arrangements but Air Pacific wanted a 100 per cent buy-out which was rejected. He said if Air Pacific entered the domestic market after buying Sun Air, the number of operators would remain the same. Mr Vuetaki said if Air Pacific entered the market as a new operator, all would be affected. He said cost cutting by way of staff redundancies would be an option. Mr Vuetaki said Air Fiji could distribute tourists to the region and in Fiji as a trunk distributor to international airlines. He said Air Fiji was looking at expanding its flights to the Pacific region to enhance the revenue generated from domestic flights. Efforts to get comments from Air Pacific chief executive John Campbell failed yesterday. In an earlier statement, however, Mr Campbell had said they were having talks with a local airline. He did not reveal details, saying that they wanted to keep their agreement confidential. The Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry applauded the move by Air Pacific. Chamber president Taito Waradi said it was important to break any type of monopoly and have a free market so consumers could have options. Mr Waradi said the business community was looking forward to any investment which made travelling convenient and that fares would be affordable to rural dwellers. (Source: Fiji Times 25/08/2005)

SPTO Identifies Opportunities and Constraints of Chinese Outbound Tourism
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation recently completed a Market Intelligence report on ‘Developing Chinese Tourism in the Pacific’. This report follows up on SPTO’s previous study on Chinese Outbound Tourism and provides more specific detail and analysis of opportunities and constraints that relate to the development of the Chinese market by the SPTO member countries. One of the principal findings of the report is that the South Pacific is more likely to appeal to China’s new breed of independent traveler rather than the traditional group tours.  Furthermore, the South Pacific will most likely be sold as a principal destination rather than packaged with tours to Australia or New Zealand. Within the Chinese market, the South Pacific will be an expensive destination and therefore SPTO recommends that the region be marketed as a premium destination sold on quality, safety and the uniqueness and diversity of the local indigenous cultures. A key issue that remains to be addressed is how Chinese tourists can be granted suitable visas in a timely fashion.  Peter Dawkins, SPTO’s Marketing and Internet Advisor says that “this is the number one issue raised by Chinese travel agents.  We need a policy that works for the tourism industry but at the same time ensures adequate border control measures. Fortunately, we can look to other countries who have established workable policies on this matter and seek to follow their example.” Regular Market Intelligence reports including 'Developing the Chinese Tourism in the Pacific' are available as part of the SPTO Private Sector Membership package; for details visit the following link: http://www.spto.org/spto/export/sites/SPTO/spto/member_application.shtml 

Kiribati Visitors Survey 2005
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in collaboration with the Kiribati Ministry of Communication, Transport and Tourism has recently completed the Kiribati Visitor Survey 2005 report. The report covers the topics of Visitor Profile, Travel Behaviour Patterns, Opinions and Reactions on the Facilities and Services, Tourist Expenditure, and Comments and Suggestions from respondents. The aim of the report was to give a better view on the latest tourism developments in Kiribati and to provide audiences with recent tourism statistics and information. Some key findings in the report were that most visitors to Kiribati were from the Business/Official Conference segment and highest levels of repeat visitations came from Australia and Fiji. Visitors to Kiribati spent an estimated average daily expenditure of 88.13 AUD per day and stayed an average 8.35 days. Japanese tourists were identified to have the highest daily expenditure.

Tour Wholesaler Database
SPTO has recently completed the development of a comprehensive database of overseas tour wholesalers who feature South Pacific product.  The database contains contact details for approximately four hundred wholesalers in the major markets of Australia, New Zealand, North America, Asia and the Pacific.  The database also contains details of the individual market specialisation of each wholesalers such as diving, honeymoon, adventure travel etc.  Ross Hopkins, an Adviser at SPTO indicated that 'the database is an invaluable tool to support the marketing of the NTOs and private sector in the region, as it identifies key buyers and potential opportunities for all countries and products.  The development of the database is a very good example of regional cooperation amongst the member countries of SPTO, which will benefit the region's tourism industry overall'.  The database is available to the member countries and private sector members of SPTO; details of the private sector membership package are available on http://www.spto.org/spto/export/sites/SPTO/spto/member_application.shtml

SPTO Membership Update
SPTO welcomes another new member:
Fatumaru Lodge, Vanuatu: A Melanesian style boutique hotel which offers spacious and comfortable self-contained studio apartments with a panoramic view on Port Vila Bay. Fatumaru Lodge is ideal for individuals, couples or families.  For more information visit their website:  www.fatumaru.com
If you would like to know more about the SPTO Private Sector Membership Programme and its benefits, please contact our Membership Marketing Coordinator on e-mail: rdrekeni@spto.org

SPTO Marketing Workshop Resource and Link Now Available for Use
In a move to help promote sustainable tourism development in the region, the South Pacific Tourism Organization has created links to all the workshops and conferences hosted by the SPTO in their dynamic website. Some of the region’s key marketing executives came together in Nadi earlier in August in a regional Marketing Workshop organized by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation. The workshop was the first of its kind to bring together marketing executives from the region’s National Tourism Organisations as well as from the private sector with a view to upgrading the skill levels within the region. A link has been created for the Marketing Workshop on the SPTO website, visit http://www.spto.org/spto/export/sites/SPTO/spto/presentations/mktg_director_2005/index.shtml for more information.

World Champ & Olympic Medallist Graces Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort on Monday (22nd August 2005) hosted Ms Sarah Ulmer, reigning World 3000m Cycling Champion and an Olympic Gold Medallist in the same event in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics. A Kiwi, Ms Ulmer was a guest speaker for a conference currently being held at the resort. General Manager Mr David Hopcroft says “it is indeed a pleasure and we are thankful for the opportunity to showcase what our resort has to offer to such high profile sporting personalities like Ms Ulmer. We hope this is a first of many more to come” (Picture: Ms. Sarah Ulmer and Mr. David Hopcroft). (Source: Shangri-La’s Fiji Resort Media Release 23/08/2005)

FVB/Air Pacific Launch the ‘Early Bird’ Promotion
From September, 2005 to April 2006, US travellers will be offered packages priced from US$999 per person including airfares and resort accommodation, as well as cruises. Included in the promotion is Blue Lagoon Cruises, Matangi Island Resort, Plantation Island Resort and Sonaisali Island Resort. For further details contact FVB-US PR Counsel, Ms. Susan Bejeckian on email: sbpr@compuserve.com (Source: Bula News 22/08/2005)